Law enforcement detains 42 unauthorized miners in connection with recent kidnapping of Kwara king

Kwara State's Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, has confirmed the arrest of 42 illegal miners in connection with the abduction of His Royal Highness, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, the monarch of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun local government area.

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This development came after the monarch was abducted by ten fully armed terrorists on Saturday evening, following a visit from the miners who had paid their respects to him earlier in the day, according to the police commissioner.

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In an exclusive interview with Vanguard on Monday morning, Adekimi Ojo revealed that the terrorists broke into the monarch's palace, took him from one of the rooms, and demanded the money the miners had given him earlier, which the monarch promptly handed over.

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The monarch was then taken away along with his brother, who was with him at the time of the abduction, and the terrorists' actions were swiftly reported to the authorities, prompting a response from the police.

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Using drones and other logistics, the police arrested 42 illegal miners in the community, although it is unclear if the perpetrators of the abduction were among those apprehended, according to the police commissioner.

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The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the suspects are currently being held at the police headquarters in Ilorin, as the police work to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

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During the abduction, the monarch's brother, who was not wearing slippers, became exhausted and refused to continue with the terrorists, reportedly telling them to kill him if they wished, at which point they tied him to a tree and proceeded with the monarch.

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The terrorists have since contacted the community, demanding N400 million in exchange for the monarch's safe release, according to information gathered from the community.

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Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, has confirmed the abduction, expressing concerns about the incident and its implications for security in the area, and has begun working with security agencies to secure the monarch's release.

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Yusuf met with residents on Saturday, in the aftermath of the incident, and described the development as unfortunate, while also assuring them that the local government is taking swift action in collaboration with security agencies to address the situation.

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The chairman has called on residents to provide useful information to support the ongoing efforts to rescue the monarch, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in addressing security challenges and restoring peace.

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Yusuf has urged the people of Olayinka to remain calm, despite the situation, and has assured them that the authorities are committed to resolving the crisis and ensuring the monarch's safe return.

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The local government, under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is taking steps to strengthen security measures across the area, with the safety of residents remaining a top priority, according to the chairman.

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The abduction has heightened fears among residents, with many concerned that the incident may signal a resurgence of insecurity in Kwara South, and the situation remains a subject of concern for the community and the authorities.